Mardi Gras is such a fun time of year, isn't it? My university is so stupid when it comes to it. We have Fat Tuesday off, but not the Lundi Gras, the day before Tuesday, whatever you wish to call it. It doesn't make sense at all, but usually most professors decide to have a "library or conference day" scheduled for that day. 

Yay, I'm happy to hear you love the howlers. Molly isn't the type of person to just let something go, and I thought it was a funny light element to throw in.

I'm sure Harry will find it in his heart to forgive Severus, but it was quite a shock to him and shattered his dreams a bit. Severus won't give up trying to get through to Harry. He understands the feelings Harry is experiencing and feels like he should've done something to ensure a situation like this didn't happen. Thanks! 

Ooh, very very nice guesses, ten points and a more than a little awe are all yours ^^  Very well done, next chapter (or, when it comes to the potion, perhaps the one after) you’ll know ^^

I think he’s become a little too talented at hiding wounds and for some reason my characters are rather less perceptive than I’d had in mind ^^ but they aren’t completely hopeless so the next chapter should be better; and I’m so pleased that you want to see what will happen next with Umbridge!  It may sound a little twisted but the idea for this fic was originally borne from curiosity at the depths of her inventiveness and cruelty; it’s been fun exploring her character ^^... because that doesn’t sound twisted at all ^^.  It will be the last bit of ‘torture’ from her and it wont be as detailed or anything... well, I don’t think it is, others may have different opinions ^^ - hopefully it wont be very painful to read though ^^ - looking forward to finding out what you think of it ^^

Hehe, hmm, Voldy does have a HORRIBLE sense of timing.  He’s like a two year old, temper tantrums when he isn’t the centre of attention.  What will we do with him *shakes head* ^^

OH, I tried so very hard to write the next chapter before you were going to leave and I did get about half of it done because of it but real life doesn’t like me all that much right now and decided I should have some upset/pissed off readers on my back instead of an updated fic TT – blame RL... totally not my fault ^-^ - hope you had a fun trip though! 

Hehe, I love that your idea of me doing a great job of Hermione was to make her suffocating and annoying ^-^  I think it is a part of her character and I just played it up a bit (heh, possibly too much... whoops ^^) but if she annoyed you last chapter then I got what I was aiming for ^^  And I’m glad I was able to add that little bit of humour with Myrtle (and her complete lack of consideration or tact), no matter how morbid it may have been ^^

Oh I’m so so happy that you at least are looking forward to Harry’s last little nudge over the edge – I‘ve had so many people tell me they want him to find help NOW but without some huge mental break what would be the point, you know?  I hope you in particular like the next chapter and thank you a lot for the faith that despite pushing Harry over the edge I’ll bring him back again (with lots of Snapey mushness ^^)

Angsty tormented Harry ahead!  ^^

Happy New Year!